Some love stories start with candlelit dinners. For others, like Leo and Carol Soehnlen, it began with a horseback riding mishap in 1972 and grew into a 50-year legacy of outdoor hospitality. This September, the couple’s Canton/East Sparta KOA Holiday will celebrate its golden anniversary with the same personal touch that has welcomed generations of campers, Kampgrounds of America said in a release.
Leo’s career began on a dairy route, delivering ice cream mix to Dairy Queen stores across Northeast Ohio. In 1968, he purchased an 11-acre former church camp with cabins, a dormitory and a cement pool, transforming it into Bear Creek Swim & Toboggan Club, complete with refrigerated twin toboggan slides. The attraction delighted winter visitors for more than two decades.
A horseback riding accident introduced Carol to Leo, and soon, to the hospitality business. “While I was waiting in his office with my leg propped up, I started calculating the day’s receipts,” Carol shared. “Leo was so impressed he decided to keep me around.” The two married in 1975, raised five children and worked side by side to grow their vision.
In October 1975, after purchasing an adjacent 75-acre farm and spotting a KOA ad in a trade magazine, the Soehnlens opened Canton/East Sparta KOA Holiday. Building on steep terrain, they adapted continually as camping trends evolved, adding modern amenities and expanding offerings. Today, the campground features:
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Horseback riding at the Canton/East Sparta KOA Holiday 100 total sites, including 6 patio sites and 13 cabins/cottages
- A 5-acre fishing lake
- Horseback riding and ATV trails over 180 acres
- Mini golf, a game room, swimming pool, paddleboats and KampK9
- Themed family weekends from May to October
- They are currently expanding to add 39 new pull-through and patio sites, plus a new playground, laundry and restrooms
Multiple generations now help run the campground, with daughter Chris, her husband, Tom, and their daughters Natalie and Gina working on-site.
Carol reflected on what’s sustained them: “Surround yourself with friendly people, be patient, solve problems and listen before you speak. Love your work, love your guests and create a place where families can make memories.”
Leo and Carol credited KOA’s brand recognition, marketing support and reservation tools for helping them adapt and thrive through the decades.
Located at 3232 Downing Street SW in East Sparta, the Canton/East Sparta KOA Holiday is open year-round. For more information, please visit the campground’s website or call 1-800-562-3903.
